CDC Reports Decline in Triplet Birth Rates

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports a significant decline in the rate of triplet and higher-order births in the U.S., with a 62-64% decrease from 1998 to 2023. This decrease is largely attributed to changes in fertility treatment guidelines, particularly the reduced number of embryos transferred during in vitro fertilization (IVF) to promote safer singleton pregnancies. White mothers saw the largest decline, ranging from 71-73%, whereas Black mothers experienced an increase of 25% in these births. The report highlights that the popularity of IVF in the 1980s and 1990s initially led to a spike in multiple births, which posed health risks such as premature births and developmental disabilities. As technology and guidelines evolved, fewer embryos are now implanted, lowering the likelihood of multiple births. Despite these changes, multiple pregnancies remain more common among older mothers, though even this demographic has seen a decline in rates.